sleep divorce

English

Etymology

Popularized from an article by Mimi L. Golub, published on March 19, 2013.

Noun

sleep divorce (countable and uncountable, plural sleep divorces)

1. (colloquial, of couples) The practice of sleeping in separate beds or bedrooms instead of sharing one bed at night, with the intention of prioritizing sleep. [from 2010s]
   • 2012 September 28, @ubiquitouswoman, Twitter‎^[2] (post), retrieved 22 July 2024:

     @campolatta @kmhearn be careful Campo or you might have a sleep divorce on your hands....

   • 2015 June 25, Hallie Jackson, “Snooze-Deprived Couples Rest Easy After 'Sleep Divorce'”, in NBC News‎^[3], archived from the original on 21 September 2026:

     For an increasing number of couples, "sleep divorce" is the clear solution - although it sometimes carries a stigma.

   • 2023 July 10, “Over a third of Americans opt for a “sleep divorce””, in American Academy of Sleep Medicine‎^[4], archived from the original on 6 October 2026:

     “Although the term ‘sleep divorce’ seems harsh, it really just means that people are prioritizing sleep and moving into a separate room at night when needed,” said Khosla.

   • 2024 March 6, Jocelyn Solis-Moreira, “Why Some Couples Are Choosing a ‘Sleep Divorce’”, in Scientific American‎^[5], archived from the original on 21 September 2026:

     Whether a sleep divorce is the right choice boils down to a pair’s sleep preferences—what is often called “sleep hygiene”

   • 2026 April 21, Jacquelyne Germain, “The snuggle is real: what happens when you can’t fall asleep without your partner?”, in The Guardian‎^[6], →ISSN:

     Between talk of “sleep divorces” being key to a healthy relationship and boyfriends being embarrassing, it’s been hard to admit that I sleep much better with my partner.